Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Reduce your risk of triggering a large storm slab by avoiding steep, convex rollovers near and above treeline. Loose avalanches remain a concern wind-sheltered terrain given the deep, unconsolidated recent snow. Pay attention to shallow snowpack areas where rocks and roots could increase your risk of trauma.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    When the snow stops piling up early Tuesday, Mt. Hood will have picked up around 2 ft of snow since Saturday. Near and above treeline, winds during the storm formed a density change with harder snow below.  The wind has also consolidated the upper 4-8" of the snow, giving it slab properties. Use frequent simple slope tests and ski cuts on inconsequential rollovers to identify the layer of concern and the reactivity.  Sunshine on Tuesday may be a risk factor that could consolidate the slab, potentially making it more reactive to human trigger. When in doubt, avoid specific terrain features such as convex or unsupported steep rollovers in the terrain where you are most likely to trigger a storm slab.

    Below treeline, storm slabs or dry loose avalanches won't be as energetic, but could still be large if you find the wrong terrain trap. 

    Example: Storm slab in steep terrain at Mt. Hood.

    Photo: Mt Hood Meadows Patrol

Avalanche Discussion

Storm totals for Mt. Hood will be in the 2 ft range by Tuesday morning, bringing low-density minimally wind-affected powder to Mt Hood!  The initial snow fell with moderate to strong range as the snow ramped up Saturday evening. However, showery conditions Sunday and Monday brought put less wind-affected snow on top. The new snow sits on old snow/crusts buried 02/19.  We are not concerned about the recent storm snow stepping down to the 02/14 crust. 

While temperatures should remain quite cold, the late February sun remains impactful. If the sun comes out for a period of time, expect steep slopes with direct sunlight to destabilize and form shallow loose avalanches that could knock you off your feet in steep terrain. Watch warming/melting rocks, cliffs, and tree bombs that could initiate avalanches on the slopes above you. 

This snow has created great riding conditions, but it won't bury all rocks, tree stumps, and all the other ground hazards that were recently exposed. Ride cautiously in shallow terrain. 

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